pindan.com.au
Issue 31 | 2017
Pindan group secures major international investor as part of restructure for future growth Specialist construction methods are just what the doctor ordered MBA wins recognise excellence in renovation and innovation Innovative bathroom pod project a first for Pindan Modular Carnarvon Medical Centre | Carnarvon
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF BUILDING ON PARTNERSHIPS
A WORD FROM
GEORGE A
s Pindan enters its 40th year in 2017, we do so with excitement for the opportunities that await us, coupled with a great sense of pride for all we have achieved since 1977.
Of course, we could not have become the company we are today without our amazing staff, sub-contractors, suppliers and clients. We sincerely thank you for your support and look forward to what the next 40 years may bring.
In December, we were thrilled to announce that we have formed a financial partnership with a major international investor to accelerate our growth throughout Australia.
To celebrate this milestone we have combed through our archives and collated some images and company highlights to share with you this edition. I do hope you will enjoy the trip down memory lane as much as I did.
We welcome Singapore publicly listed property developer, Oxley Holdings Limited, to the Pindan fold and look forward to starting a new chapter as we become a national property group with the financial strength, experience and skills to deliver major projects across the nation. It will be business as usual here at Pindan as these changes take place and we will continue to operate as an integrated property group providing a wide range of construction, development, property and maintenance services. I recently had the opportunity to reflect on Pindan’s journey and was proud to note that despite phenomenal growth and change, we have remained true to our core values of family and community, excellence in construction and working in partnership. I am equally proud to note that Pindan has stood the test of time to emerge as an industry leader without losing sight of its core business in construction.
Braemar Cooinda Aged Care Facility | Willagee
In other news, we have been busy constructing and renovating a significant number of health and aged care facilities across Western Australia recently, including the award-winning Carnarvon Health Campus, and I am pleased to share an update on many of these projects in this edition. Pindan Modular also celebrated a remarkable milestone in November after designing, constructing and delivering the first of its innovative bathroom pods to client SKS Group for its DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Northbridge, Perth. Finally, as always, we are thrilled to celebrate and acknowledge our staff and sub-contractors and this edition we feature two valued members of the Pindan Asset Management team who went above and beyond to help a client, and learn more about long-term subbie, Italsteel WA. George Allingame Managing Director
Projects Integrated Marine Operations Centre, Port Hedland Pilbara Ports Authority Marine control tower and operations centre East Lane, North Sydney | Pindan Capital 36 boutique luxury apartments and three commercial units
A$40m A$33m (sales value)
Northam Health Service, Northam Building Management & Works Additions, alteration and refurbishment works to existing service.
A$32m
Quest Hotel, South Perth | Quest Serviced Apartments Seven storey hotel and retail development
A$29m
Warren Health Service, Manjimup Building Management & Works Expansion of emergency department, medical imaging upgrade and improved technology support
A$28m
Merredin Health Service Redevelopment, Merredin Building Management & Works New emergency department, upgrades to the medical imaging area, sterilising services, administration areas.
A$16m
completed
Projects Viridian China Green, Subiaco | Pindan Capital 74 residential apartments with rooftop common facilities Agricola College, Kalgoorlie | Curtin University of Technology Modular student accommodation for 180 students & refurbishment to 48 rooms Rivers Edge Grouped Dwellings, South Guildford Pindan Capital Grouped dwellings of 51 homes, nine lands lots and public open space
A$45m (sales value)
A$31m
A$30m (sales value)
Kalgoorlie Boulder Community High School Stage 1, Kalgoorlie | Building Management & Works Construction of three new classroom blocks and cafeteria, refurbished design and technology centre and upgraded gym change rooms
A$24m
Newman Town Centre Redevelopment, Newman St Batholomews Developments Pty Ltd Construction of 6,162m2 of retail space and parking
A$24m
Esperance Health Campus Redevelopment Stage 1, Esperance | Building Management & Works Refurbishment and expansion of the emergency department, maternity ward, surgical services, pathology and upgrade of associated infrastructure
A$24m
Amber Apartments, Carine | Carine Rise Apartments Pty Ltd Design & Construct of 50 residential apartments over four levels
A$17m
A$13m
Wanneroo Civic Centre Extension, Wanneroo City of Wanneroo Double storey office building with roof terrace and basement, linked to the existing office facilities
A$15m
Barque Apartments, Port Coogee | Stirling Capital 52 apartments over four levels, roof terrace
A$13m
Pundulmurra Health & Community Services Training Centre, South Hedland | Department of Training Workforce New training building
Eaton Sports Pavilion, Eaton | Shire of Dardanup Construction of new softball and football pavilions, and change rooms
A$6m
Onslow Aquatic Centre, Onslow Building Management & Works 25m swimming pool, leisure pool and amenities
A$7m
Yugunga Housing, Meekatharra Yugunga-Nya People’s Trust 14 houses and one community centre
A$5m
The Espy Apartments, Mount Pleasant | Adam Di Placide Five apartments and one commercial unit, pool and gym
A$6m
Electrical & Instrumentation Building, Karratha Building Management & Works Construction of new electrical & instrumentation control building.
A$5m
Indigenous Housing, Kununurra | Department of Housing 18 new houses
A$5m
Carnarvon Operations Centre, Carnarvon Water Corporation New office and workshops, demolition of the former existing office, patio and removal of the former workshop & store
A$4m
Bathroom Pods for Doubletree by Hilton, Northbridge SKS Pty Ltd 202 bathrooms pods in seven configurations
A$3m
Pearsall Hocking Community Centre, Pearsall City of Wanneroo Multiuse single storey community centre comprising of various multi-purpose areas
A$4m
Carnarvon Renal Facility, Carnarvon Housing Authority Five bed renal hostel
A$2m
Paraburdoo Childcare Centre, Paraburdoo Shire of Ashburton Childcare and out of school hours care facility
A$4m
Onslow Housing, Onslow | Housing Authority Construction of 10 double storey dwellings
A$4m
Onslow Multipurpose Courts, Onslow Shire of Ashburton Design & Construct three multi-purpose basketball and netball courts
A$3m
ALDI Supermarket, Ellenbrook | Vicinity Custodians Construction of new supermarket including steelwork and concrete tilt up panels
A$3m
Aged Appropriate Accommodation, Cunderdin Shire of Cunderdin Design & Construct 10 aged appropriate dwellings to facilitate functional independence whilst incorporating the enablement of home care
A$3m
Dalwallinu Health Service Refurbishment, Dalwallinu WA Country Health Service Alteration and refurbishment works to existing service.
A$3m
191 Great Eastern Hwy, Belmont WA 6104 | PO Box 93, Belmont, Western Australia 6984 | www.pindan.com.au Phone: (+61 8) 9471 5300 | Facsimile: (+61 8) 9277 6133 | Email: pindan@pindan.com.au | ABN 40 070 129 815
Construction values unless otherwise indicated
New
PINDAN GROUP SECURES MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR AS PART OF RESTRUCTURE FOR FUTURE GROWTH
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indan Group has formed a long-term financial partnership with international developer Oxley Holdings Limited (Oxley) as part of a restructure to deliver future growth in Australia. Oxley is a Singapore publicly listed property developer (SGXST: 5UX) with operations in nine countries throughout Asia and Europe. Oxley has acquired 40% of Pindan Group Pty Ltd and made a formal announcement to the SGX regarding its investment in the company in December. The sale of a significant minority shareholding to Oxley is the next step in a corporate restructure for Pindan that has resulted in ownership of all its business units being consolidated under Pindan Group Pty Ltd. The strategy driving the restructure is Pindan’s desire to achieve its vision of becoming a national property group with the financial strength, experience and skills to deliver major projects across Australia. It will enable Pindan to grow its project portfolio and accelerate its transition from being a major Western Australian builder and developer to a national developer that also has a significant construction business on the west and east coasts of Australia. Oxley’s investment in Pindan is approximately $72 million, comprising the acquisition of shares and equity commitments to assist in securing exciting new development projects.
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OUTLOOK
Oxley’s direct involvement in Pindan will deliver significant additional capital strength and direct access to major Asian investors and capital markets. Pindan will continue to operate as an integrated property group providing a wide range of development, property, construction and maintenance services. Director David Pringle said that Pindan was excited by the opportunity to formalise Oxley’s involvement in the company and the Board was delighted with the strong relationship that has been formed between the two groups during 2016. “Over 40 years, Pindan has achieved enormous growth and diversification, but we have made a strategic decision that the best way to realise our full potential in Australia is to have a major partner directly involved in the company’s ownership structure,” Mr Pringle said. “Oxley has been interested in the Australian property sector for some time and has sought to make its entry into the market alongside a substantial and experienced partner. The investment in Pindan provides Oxley with a direct interest in a growing company, with a proven track record, and many national development opportunities.” Pindan’s investment and funds management arm, Pindan Capital, has 23 current development projects with sales revenue in excess of $1.2 billion. Pindan Capital has raised approximately $360 million in capital for investment into its projects.
Oxley executive directors Ching Chiat Kwong, Executive Chairman and CEO, and Eric Low See Ching, will join George Allingame and David Pringle on the Board of Pindan Group Pty Ltd. Pindan’s executive management team, business unit management and staffing will remain unchanged and responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations. Mr Ching Chiat Kwong commented, “Overseas projects have made important contributions to Oxley’s steady performance and growth. Through forging strong partnerships with reputable developers and business partners, Oxley has built up a business presence across nine geographical markets today, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China, among others.” “Australia is a huge property development market that has been on our radar screen to explore and venture into. Pindan is a leading, mature property and construction company with a strong management, in-depth local expertise and proven delivery record. We are confident that the partnership and synergy between Oxley and Pindan will lead to attractive business opportunities that benefit both parties.” As of 30 September 2016, Oxley had unbilled contract value of S$2.7 billion, with S$0.9 billion from Singapore projects and S$1.8 billion from overseas projects.
George Allingame
David Pringle
Ching Chiat Kwong
Eric Low See Ching
About Oxley Holdings Limited Oxley Holdings Limited is an international property developer based in Singapore with a diversified portfolio including property development, property investment and project management. Oxley is listed on the Main Board of the SGX-ST and has a market capitalisation of approximately S$1.3 billion. The Group currently has a business presence across nine geographical markets including Singapore, the United Kingdom (the “UK”), Ireland, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan and Myanmar. Since Oxley’s incorporation in March 2010, the Group has launched a portfolio of 32 projects, and completed 23 projects. It is currently developing a waterfront township development in London, UK and two mixed-use developments in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Oxley’s developments are typically located in choice areas that are easily accessible. Most of its projects incorporate retail elements, and lifestyle features and facilities. More information at www.oxley.com.sg
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Pindan celebrates 40 years of excellence
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indan is honoured to be celebrating 40 years of excellence in 2017.
From humble beginnings in 1977, Pindan is still led by its founding directors and has stood the test of time to emerge as an industry leader that employs more than 400 staff across Australia. While it has never lost sight of its core business of construction, in recent times Pindan has added complementary services such as funds management, development and asset management to become a truly integrated property group. Managing Director, George Allingame, said it was heartwarming to reflect on the past 40 years and know that Pindan had been committed to its ethos of ‘building on partnerships’ from the very beginning. “The strength of our partnerships with clients, contractors, suppliers and the community underpins our long history of delivering integrated construction, capital and management solutions,” he said. “In addition, the collective commitment and wealth of knowledge from our leadership group and staff sets Pindan apart, empowers us to continually stride ahead and is the reason loyal clients, partners and investors choose us time and again.” Strong family values and a commitment to philanthropy have also seen Pindan donate almost $1m to charity since 2007. “These family values mean our community, charity and environmental initiatives are part of everyday life at Pindan,” George added. “From our charity homes and staff fundraising efforts, through to the Red Cross’ corporate blood donation drive, food and clothing donations for crisis relief and Christmas gifts for children in care, giving back is very much part of the fabric of our caring culture.”
The late John Skinner, one of Pindan’s long standing Site Managers during the 1990’s.
Turn the page to see a timeline of Pindan’s first 40 years
Our Story 02
1979 – Current director David Pringle joins company
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1981 – George and David arrange management buyout of Pindan from Armstrong Jones. Turns over A$3m
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1989 – Moves to new premises at 14 Resolution Drive in Belmont
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1998 – Commences Pindan Developments
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2000 – Staff numbers grow to 66
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Starts Pindan Realty to market and sell property
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2004 – Staff numbers grow to 122 and moves to new premises at 154 Abernethy Road in Belmont
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2006 – Starts up Pindan Contracting to harness the mining and resources boom in Western Australia
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Starts up Pindan Modular providing steel framed building and “pod” solutions
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2008 – Master Builders Association elects George Allingame as president, a position he holds for 3 years
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Donates A$150,000 to Peel Health Campus through sale of charity home at Mariners Cove in Mandurah
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24 staff travel to Cambodia to build homes in impoverished areas, sponsored by sub-contractors and suppliers
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2009 – Starts up Pindan Capital Limited, a property funds management company connecting investors, equity and development opportunities. John Nicholas appointed Chairman
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Starts up Switch Homes, Pindan’s residential home building arm specialising in custom builds, luxury two storey and narrow lot designs
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Initiates scholarship programme to support construction and design students with job placement and mentoring at completion of their studies
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2010 – Wins contract to build and refurbish A$110m of public housing over four years for indigenous communities in remote Western Australia
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2011 – Donates A$168,500 to Association for the Blind through sale of charity home at Waters Edge in Viveash in addition to A$30,000 in staff fundraising to sponsor training of guide dog Shadow
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2013 – Wins best Apartment Complex of the Year in Australia for The Leighton Apartments in North Fremantle, WA
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Staff numbers grow to 317 and moves head office to current premises at 191 Great Eastern Highway in Belmont
01
1977
Founded in Perth by current managing director George Allingame 02
1984 Completes Tranby on Swan
completes READYMIX CONCRETE PLANT
1994
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Completes MURRAY STREET RETAIL
1988
1977 – Founded in Perth Western Australia as the construction arm of the Armstrong Jones Property Group by current managing director George Allingame
1989
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15
09
16
Initiates Scholarship Program
Donates A$198,500 to Assoc for the Blind
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2013
2011
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2010
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Wins best Apartment Complex of the Year in Australia for The Leighton Apartments
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2014
Pindan Capital wins best Medium Density development for North One Mixed Use
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2015
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Wins best Historic Renovation in Australia for Claremont Council Chambers 38
Builds and installs first Modular “Pod”
RESTRUCTURES TO DELIVER NATIONAL GROWTH
2016 35
RankS AS the largest multi-unit builder in Western AustraliA 39
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Donates A$208,000 to Cystic Fibrosis WA through sale of charity home at Q Central in Queens Park and staff fundraising
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2014 – Starts up Pindan Asset Management, a facilities management and maintenance company
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Wins $100m+ 5 year Housing Authority contract to maintain portfolio of 6,000 homes across remote and regional regions of Western Australia
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Wins position on NPARIH panel to build and refurbish further indigenous public housing over the next four years in remote areas
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Pindan Capital wins best Medium Density development for North One Mixed Use in Subiaco, Western Australia
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Staff report 88% high satisfaction levels and 79% high engagement levels in independent market research
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2015 – Turnover exceeds A$500m
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Expands into New South Wales and Queensland markets and opens offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Shanghai, China
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Opens seven branches in remote Western Australia to service maintenance of public housing
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Wins best Historic Renovation in Australia for Claremont Council Chambers in Western Australia
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Builds and installs first modular “pod” facilitating rapid second storey construction
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Residential building arm, Switch Homes, wins A$45m contract to build 250+ homes for the Housing Authority across the Perth metropolitan area
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2016 – Forms financial partnership with international developer Oxley Holdings Ltd as part of restructure to deliver future national growth
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Staff numbers grow to 400+
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Ranks as the largest multi-unit builder and semi-detached builder in Western Australia & in the top 5 nationally
36
Begins construction on East Lane in Sydney, Pindan’s first development on the east coast of Australia
37
Designs, constructs and delivers 202 modular bathroom “pods” to major hotel chain
38
Terry Sayers (pictured right) with long term colleague Tony Cockram, retires after 37 years
39
Donates A$288,500 to Parkerville Children and Youth Care through sale of charity home at Rivers Edge in Guildford and staff fundraising
40
35 staff save 513 lives through 171 blood donations via Red Cross’ corporate program, Red25
Specialist construction methods are just what the doctor ordered
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onsolidating its reputation for constructing stateof-the-art facilities or breathing new life into ageing ones, Pindan has continued to deliver, and win, contracts in the specialised health and aged care sector during 2016. Recently finished projects include the award-winning Carnarvon Health Campus (pictured), Exmouth and Esperance Health Campuses and Braemar Cooinda Aged Care facility in Willagee. Meanwhile, works are underway at the Koh I Nor Contemporary Care Facility in Wembley, Rosewood Aged Care in Leederville and Warren Health Service in Manjimup and in late November, Pindan was awarded a $16m contract to redevelop the Merredin Health Service. Mark Thompson, Director for Pindan Constructions, said when refurbishing an operational health campus or aged care facility, the team often applied a staged process. “Open communication and forward-planning help us to ensure patients and staff are well looked after and allow us to minimise disruptions to the day-to-day running of such busy facilities,” he said.
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OUTLOOK
Braemar Cooinda Aged Care Facility | Willagee
Braemar Cooinda Aged Care Facility Pindan completed a Design & Construct contract for a 108bed aged care facility with office, kitchen, laundry and carpark for the Braemar Presbyterian Church in July. Lead Design Manager, Lee Chalmers, said while on paper the aged care facility looked simple, it had hidden complexities. “This is especially true in the services, in particular the features that directly affect the operational day-to-day activities of the facility such as nurse call, security and dementia care,” he said. “The site team did an excellent job on this project and with aged care being a very strong sector at the moment, our proven expertise in construction of this building type is highly valued by our clients.”
Koh I Noor Contemporary Care Facility Another Design & Construct contract awarded in early September will see Pindan build Koh I Noor Contemporary Care for client, Spine and Limb Foundation. Comprising a $20m 81 bed aged care facility and offering specialist dementia care, it will be built over two storeys with basement car parking, internal laundry, kitchen, activity areas, courtyards and external landscaping.
Among the $26m works, the plumbing and mechanical services were centralised over two roof plant areas to serve the entire building and the facility required a new substation, fire pumps and tanks as well as a dedicated diesel backup generator. Lee said Pindan was involved on this project from the very beginning, before a concept scheme was finalised. “We assisted the client and the architect through numerous feasibility studies providing budget estimate costing support to lock in a scheme that maximised the potential of the site for the client,” he explained.
Sod turning at Koh I Noor Contemporary Care Facility
James Allingame, Business Development Manager for Pindan, said the team was delighted to see construction of the facility begin after a successful ‘Early Contractor Involvement’ process. “We have worked in consultation with the Foundation, OP Properties and KPA Architects to engineer a state of the art residential care facility that represents value to the client, ensures buildability and has mitigated construction risk of what is a highly specialised area of construction,” he said. The project will take about 18 months, with the first residents expected to move in by early to mid-2018.
Koh I Noor Contemporary Care Facility
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Warren Health Service Meanwhile, residents of Manjimup will have access to refreshed health care facilities by August 2018 after works on the Warren Health Service also began in mid-September. Pathology, medical imaging, learning and development, ambulatory care, emergency department, birthing suites, surgical services, support services and a morgue are among the services to be built as part of the $27m facility. Pindan Project Manager, Logan Joyce, said the remote nature of the town, which is about 295km south of Perth, has posed certain logistical and resource challenges. “Pindan is focusing on using local resources where possible as a means to support the community and overcome these challenges,” he said.
Pindan is focusing on using local resources where possible as a means to support the community and overcome these challenges.
Esperance Health Campus Redevelopment Stage 1 A $24m refurbishment of Esperance Hospital got underway in April 2014 and was completed in October 2016. The project included the refurbishment and expansion of the emergency department, maternity ward, surgical services and pathology department as well as an upgrade to associated plant infrastructure within the works were divided into nine separable portions. Contract Administrator for Pindan, Philip Knight, said practical solutions such as temporarily relocating rooms allowed multiple separable portions to run concurrently. “Potential logistical problems due to the site’s remote location were overcome by maintaining regular correspondence with the site supervisor throughout the project,” he said. “These weekly discussions meant that material requirements could be accurately forecast and potential delays were eradicated.” A s t h e wo r k s we re co m p le te d i n a l i ve h o s p i ta l environment, close client liaison was vital to the project’s success, he added.
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OUTLOOK
“The project also has a Building Information Management model that is being developed for future facility maintenance. “The model-based approach to construction also improves collaboration between the project team members by acting as a simulation tool to help visualise the project scope and highlight issues that may occur further down the construction process.”
MBA wins recognise excellence in renovation and innovation
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indan’s exceptional work on the Carnarvon Health Campus was recognised at the 2016 Master Builders Bankwest Geraldton / Midwest Building Excellence Awards in October. Pindan won awards for the best Commercial Alterations, Additions and Restorations over $6.5m and the Innovative Use of Building Materials. Works were staged progressively between August 2014 and October 2015 and included a new ambulatory centre, consisting of community mental health services, population
health services, dental health services, an open office area, shared amenities and a new entry and waiting area. Existing facilities, including the emergency department, relocation of the pharmacy and provision of a renal dialysis facility, were also refurbished or upgraded. Dickie Dique, Director for Pindan Contracting, said the award further cemented Pindan’s ability to work in the specialised area of health.
“The team is proud of its achievements and these awards are great recognition of everyone involved.”
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Innovative bathroom pod project a first for Pindan Modular
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indan Modular celebrated a unique milestone in November when it installed the first of its innovative bathroom pods at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Northbridge. The $2.6m contract came about after the development of a factory-manufactured pod prototype featuring a fully equipped bathroom with shower, toilet, tiling and all plumbing fixtures, following a major Research and Development initiative by Pindan Modular. Operations Manager for Pindan Modular, Paul Rintoul, said the prototype pod focussed on four design considerations: creating a solid structure to minimise the risk of cracking and internal damage during transport and lifting; reducing the difference in floor levels when installed; adopting the correct lifting method to allow for efficient delivery, lifting, placement and installation; and delivering a high quality finish that set Pindan Modular apart from its competitors. “Over the past few years, bathroom pods have grown in popularity in Perth for hotels, hospitals and apartments,” he said. “This demand was predominately being filled by suppliers from Victoria, China and Thailand and although Perth’s labour costs are higher than overseas suppliers, we are able to produce a higher grade of finish by using quality tradesman and fully compliant products that reduce issues during installation and connection to services for final sign offs.” Attracted to the quality controlled manufacturing environment, acceleration in construction time and the reduction of finishing costs, SKS Group ordered 202 pods in seven different configurations for its DoubleTree project. “Once our prototype was built to meet their project brief, SKS said the quality of finish was far above the finishes proposed by our two main competitors for this project,” Paul said. “Being a local supplier is advantageous for clients like SKS as they can conduct regular inspections with ease and avoid expenses such as flights and accommodation,” he added. Paul said SKS had considered completing the project in modular form early on due to restrictions on the site as it has no lay down area, limited storage space in an underground basement and no on-site parking.
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OUTLOOK
Operations Manager, Paul Rintoul (right) with SKS Group’s General Manager, Francis Foong & Operations Manager, Bill Quick
The site program for DoubleTree will see 16 pods, or one whole floor, delivered by Pindan Modular every 2½ weeks, with all pods due to be installed by the end of May 2017. “Because we started construction of the bathroom pods in advance, each level of bathrooms only takes about 36 days to build,” Paul explained. SKS Group General Manager, Francis Foong, said he asked Pindan to provide a price for pods at DoubleTree after he met Paul at an industry function. “We inspected a completed pod at Pindan Modular and decided to work with Perth-based Pindan, who has provided competitive pricing and a quality product,” he said. Francis said it had been great working with the Pindan pods, adding that Pindan Modular staff had been very cooperative in developing the best outcome for the project. “Pindan Modular was actually ahead of their delivery program for which SKS is extremely grateful,” he said. “They have instilled much-needed confidence to encourage developers and builders to use modular pods as it reduces the overall construction time, comes at a reasonable cost and achieves the quality expected.” Looking to the future, Pindan Modular has priced two more hotels and an apartment complex for SKS Group and caught the eye of Cooper and Oxley, a WA-based builder that has previously engaged interstate competitors. “The early design of a building is the critical stage to consider whether pods can be used or not so our focus now is directed at designers, architects and engineers,” Paul said.
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Staff Profile
Kate Hyatt
Chris Clohessy
Geraldton Branch Administrator
Maintenance Plumber/Gas Fitter
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indan’s motto of ‘Building on Partnerships’ is applied to all levels of our business and the team from Pindan Asset Management are a great example of this in operation in a practical and often heartfelt way. Our team is trained to follow processes and procedures in their day to day jobs and are often on the lookout for anything untoward when out and about visiting clients’ homes. One recent example of the in-depth training and approach to partnership involved Maintenance Plumber/Gas Fitter, Chris Clohessy, Geraldton Branch Administrator, Kate Hyatt, and the Housing Authority’s Housing Services Team leader, Ted Duke. On a routine visit to a property, Chris noticed the tenant was very disorientated and worked with Kate and Ted to ensure the authorities were involved quickly. They discovered that the elderly man was suffering from gas inhalation. Ted said Chris went above and beyond the line of duty: “Our working relationship with Pindan in the region has been very good, and many times their contractors have gone the extra mile for us”. Chris and Kate are both based at Pindan’s Geraldton office and are part of our loyal team who each day are proactive in going above and beyond for our clients. In March, Chris was the first plumber to reach 1,000 work orders for Asset Management’s contract to service and maintain 5,600 houses for the Housing Authority in the Pilbara and Mid West/Gascoyne. The 27-year-old has now completed over 2,200 work orders.
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OUTLOOK
Chris says he likes the diversity that every day brings and finds that being a Geraldton local means he really understands the needs of the Housing Authority’s clientele. “I am mainly based in and around Geraldton and love the variety of my work as I am never in one place for too long, which makes it interesting,” he adds. “I assist everyone from young mothers to aged pensioners and hear lots of stories.” Chris says he is fortunate to work with a great team and the positive dynamic makes a big difference. Kate agrees, saying her co-workers have become like a second family. She has been at Pindan for 4 ½ years, starting as a Site Administrator in 2012 before moving to Geraldton in 2014 to assist with the Housing Authority’s contract. Having worked on remote sites in WA’s north at the Kangi Permanent Camp and the Wildflower Camp, Kate was also involved with the Wickham Modular Housing Project before focussing on maintenance in Geraldton. Kate says she has enjoyed, and grown from, every project. “I enjoy the diversity in my role, every day is different to the next and I am always happy to broaden my construction knowledge,” she said. “I have also never worked with a better bunch of people. I have made some great lifelong friendships and learnt so much from everyone along the way.”
Peter Goulios and Fabio Gismondi
Super subbie
Italsteel WA
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omplex and large steel fabrication projects have long been tackled with gusto by Italsteel WA.
Italsteel’s alliance with Pindan had gone from strength to
The family owned and run business has worked with Pindan for the past 15 years, forging a strong partnership on countless projects including the Karratha Senior High School and Swire Oilfields, the Pundulmurra Health and Training Centre and Kingsway Christian College.
companies to successfully deliver project after project together,
Founder Alex Gismondi and his sons, Steve and Fabio, have been committed to a tradition of friendly and reliable service – matched with quality fabrication – for 37 years. Based in Welshpool, Italsteel is recognised as a leader in its field – particularly for complex projects or large-scale steel fabrication – and names Pindan as one of its most important clients, as well as engineering firms and both the WA and Commonwealth governments. A team of 40 workshop staff and 12 support/managerial staff has successfully delivered about 2,800 construction and engineering projects, ranging from retail centres and government buildings to defence contracts. While preferring to keep the secrets of their success close to his chest, General Manager Peter Goulios said Italsteel was proud to have a record of excellent staff retention.
strength, particularly during the past six years, allowing the Peter added. “Culture and fit in an organisation is really important to us,” he said. “We have found that from the top at Pindan – the Directors, Estimators and Construction Managers to the Project Managers, Contract Administrators, Site Managers and Supervisors – all staff have been polite and professional.” Peter said Pindan and Italsteel also shared a common goal in regard to best practice delivery of a project. “This is really important to a subcontractor,” he added. “If I can liken it to needing a very basic ingredient such as flour when baking a cake – it just won’t work if you don’t have the essential ingredient from the beginning.” The opportunity to share a few laughs and jokes was another vital ingredient, he said. “Quite often it is a rugby joke, a soccer joke or a footy joke,” he said. “Remember, many of us in this great industry are Europeans
“This is unprecedented in our industry and as a result, the knowledge, experience and practices we follow at Italsteel set us apart from our competitors,” he said.
so you can’t help but have a joke and laugh on Monday!
“We also really value our reputation for fostering long-term relationships with clients and suppliers.”
to pricing, winning and delivering jobs, mutually rewarding
“Pindan has a number of really good people with whom we enjoy working and who help make the effort and commitment and satisfying.”
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